NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force said Wednesday it has successfully carried out the first ever mid air refuelling of the indigenously developed Tejas light combat aircraft, a major milestone in its development cycle.

A Russian-built IL-78 MKI tanker transferred fuel to a Tejas MK I aircraft on Tuesday.

“The tanker was launched from IAF’s base in Agra while the fighter was launched from Gwalior. The specially modified Tejas aircraft carried out a series of test profiles including a ‘dry contact’ with the tanker,” the IAF said.

It said a second Tejas aircraft was deployed to observe the exercise closely.

The mid-air refueling of Tejas came three months after it successfully fired an air-to-air beyond visual (BVR) range missile. (AGENCIES)